Meet the PixelPool global team

Although she's an expert skier, Angela Gitsova gets her biggest thrill every time she sees her designs come to life in 3D. "There's something incredibly satisfying about taking a concept or sketch and turning it into a fully-realized 3D model that can be viewed from all angles and even simulated in motion." In her work leading teams in virtual fashion for PixelPool in Sofia she gets to pass this excitement along to others.

What did you study and why?

Since I was a child, I have been fascinated by video games and the intricate 3D designs that bring virtual worlds to life. As I grew older, my interest in 3D design only continued to grow, and I knew that I wanted to pursue a career in this field.

However, when I began my search for a university program that specialized in 3D design, I found that there were not many options available at the time. This led me to explore other related fields, and eventually, I chose to study fashion design for my bachelor's degree.

I actually chose between my parents' professions, fashion design, and architecture. I chose fashion because while I admired the creativity and technical skills required for architecture, I felt that fashion design offered more opportunities for me to use my creativity and express myself artistically. Additionally, math was never my strongest suit, and I felt that fashion design was a better fit for my skills and interests.

During my studies in fashion design, I gained a strong foundation in traditional design techniques and developed an appreciation for the creative process involved in designing and constructing the clothing. But, my interest in 3D design never faded, and I continued to research and experiment with new ways to apply 3D technology in fashion design.

After completing my undergraduate degree, I decided to pursue a master's degree in 3D design to deepen my knowledge and skills in this field. I saw this as an opportunity to integrate my passion for 3D design with my experience in fashion design, and to explore new ways to use 3D design in the fashion industry.

Overall, I studied fashion design and 3D design because I have a strong interest in the technology and creative processes behind video games and virtual worlds. I saw an opportunity to apply these to the fashion industry and create innovative designs.

What drew you to your current job at PixelPool?

That's a great question. I was actually drawn to my current job at PixelPool through a personal referral from a colleague while I was studying for my master's degree in 3D modeling and animation. My colleague spoke very highly of the company and its work in 3D visualization for the fashion industry.

I also appreciated the company's focus on collaboration and teamwork, as well as their emphasis on continuous learning and development. As someone who is passionate about both fashion and technology, I felt that PixelPool would be the perfect place for me to grow and thrive in my career.

After researching the company and seeing the impressive portfolio of work they have done, I knew that I wanted to be a part of such a creative and innovative team.

What is your favorite part of your workday?

My favorite part of my workday as a 3D fashion designer is when I get to see my designs come to life in 3D. There's something incredibly satisfying about taking a concept or sketch and turning it into a fully-realized 3D model that can be viewed from all angles and even simulated in motion.

During the design phase, I get to work on my computer using 3D modeling software to create realistic and detailed digital prototypes of the products. This process allows me to experiment with different colors, textures, and materials, and to see how these elements come together to create a cohesive and visually stunning product.

What I love most about the design phase is that it allows me to bring the ideas to life in a way that is both practical and visually appealing. I am constantly challenged to come up with new and innovative designs that push the boundaries of what is possible, and this is what keeps me excited and engaged in my work.

What is your favorite hobby? 

I have several hobbies that I'm passionate about, but three of my favorites are video games, reading fantasy books, and skiing. Each of these activities offers me a different type of escape and enjoyment.

I love playing video games because they provide a great way to unwind and relax after a long day, I enjoy the immersive worlds and engaging gameplay that allow me to lose myself in a different reality. I appreciate the creativity and attention to detail that goes into crafting these digital worlds, and the sense of accomplishment that comes with completing a difficult level or challenge, and the competitive aspects of gaming, which help me to develop my strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.

I'm also an avid reader of fantasy books, which I find to be a great way to escape into new worlds and explore different perspectives. I enjoy the complex characters and intricate storylines that are often found in fantasy books, and I find that reading can be a great way to stimulate my imagination and creativity.

Skiing, on the other hand, is a completely different type of activity I have been an expert skier for many years. I love the adrenaline rush of skiing down a mountain and the feeling of being in control of my body as I navigate challenging terrain. Skiing also provides a great workout and allows me to enjoy the outdoors and the beauty of nature.

Who in your profession do you most admire and why?

While I don't have a specific person in mind, I am really impressed by Balenciaga, which has been at the forefront of the industry for many years. What I find particularly interesting about Balenciaga is their ability to constantly evolve and stay ahead of the curve, as evidenced by their recent foray into the metaverse and gaming space.

The brand's collaboration with Fortnite in September 2021 was a surprise move that caught the attention of both the fashion and gaming worlds. The collection featured a range of streetwear-inspired apparel, including hoodies, t-shirts, and sneakers, as well as a series of in-game wearables that allowed players to dress their avatars in Balenciaga-branded clothing.

What I admire most about Balenciaga is their willingness to take risks and experiment with new ideas and technologies. By embracing the metaverse and gaming space, the brand is positioning itself at the forefront of a rapidly evolving digital landscape and is paving the way for other luxury brands to follow suit.

In addition to their gaming collaboration, Balenciaga has also announced plans to build a metaverse-dedicated business, which will allow them to create immersive and interactive experiences for their customers. This forward-thinking approach to fashion is exciting and inspiring, and I believe it will have a significant impact on the future of the industry.

What excites you about the future of PixelPool?

As a 3D fashion designer at Pixelpool, I am incredibly excited about the future of the company and the opportunities that lie ahead. First and foremost, I’m excited about the potential for Pixelpool to continue pushing the boundaries of what is possible with 3D visualization technology. With advancements in technology and the increasing demand for more sustainable and efficient production methods in the fashion industry, I believe that 3D visualization will play an increasingly important role in the years to come.

At Pixelpool, we are already at the forefront of this trend, and I am confident that we will continue to lead the way as the industry evolves. I am excited about the prospect of working on increasingly complex and innovative projects, and I believe that our team has the skills and creativity to take on any challenge that comes our way.